Deadline: October 31, 2023
Contact: Kathleen Burns, Hixon-Riggs Program for Responsive Science at Harvey Mudd College
Email: kburns@hmc.edu
Invitation to Apply
Plant Animacies Workshop
Claremont, California
February 23-24, 2024
The Hixon-Riggs Program for Responsive Science at Harvey Mudd College invites abstract submissions for a two-day, works-in-progress workshop in Claremont, CA. This interdisciplinary workshop aims to bring together a small collection of scholars and artists working on plant animacies broadly defined—from plants as agential beings that enact material change in the world to the ways that plants discursively inspire conceptions of what it means to be alive or lively. As such, pieces might explore how discourses of plant animacy—sensitivity, movement, reproduction, agency—have long been weaponized to generate marginalized conceptions of life. Conversely, pieces might engage with recent or historical research into plants’ capabilities or longstanding Indigenous teachings that approach plants as agential beings who engender and disrupt relational worlds. How, then, might plant animacy offer analytical or methodological frameworks for engaging life and its environs? How can plant animacy offer generative ways of (re)conceptualizing everything from sexuality and race to narrative itself? We welcome works across disciplines, including academic or creative works of up to 10 pages, or extracts of longer pieces, as well as other forms of artistic and creative engagement. We also welcome expansive definitions of life, plants, and animacy. During the workshop proceedings, participants will have an opportunity to engage in discussion of their own and others’ pre-circulated works while also taking part in field trips and events focused on plant life in the Claremont environment.
Limited funding is available to support or supplement travel and lodging expenses according to need, with priority given to attendees without sufficient access to institutional travel funds. Along with an estimated budget for travel expenses not covered by existing funding, submit abstracts of at least 250 words to Kathleen Burns, Hixon-Riggs Postdoctoral Fellow in Science and Technology Studies, at kburns@hmc.edu by October 31, 2023. Conference events are expected to begin in the afternoon on Feb 23rd and conclude the evening of the 24th. Please forward call for abstracts to any potentially interested parties. For questions or further information contact: kburns@hmc.edu.
Posted on September 23, 2023
